Chandigarh to have world trade centre

Announcing the establishment of Punjab's first World Trade Centre (WTC) - WTC Chandigarh, World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), New York, CEO Eric Dhal said, "Part of the elite global network of WTCs across the globe, including New York, Dubai, Chicago, Amsterdam and 320 others, the WTC Chandigarh will be developed as a grade A+ state-of-the-art facility encompassing office spaces, conference facilities, auditorium, retail and exhibition area."

Dhal made the announcement during an interaction with the industry on Wednesday.

"We propose to establish WTC Chandigarh in association with Spire, an infrastructure developer from Delhi NCR while local partner in the project is IFM," Dhal informed.

"WTC Chandigarh will ensure that the legacy of entrepreneurship in Punjab is taken forward by connecting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to international counterparts across industry domains.

Also on offer will be a venture accelerator centre (V@C) to support a large start-up segment in the state. This will be achieved in conjunction with various trade bodies and chambers of commerce already operating in the region, especially PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry," Dhal added.

Terming it a step in the right direction towards empowering the large entrepreneur base in Punjab, regional director, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dalip Sharma committed his organisation's support in this unique effort to promote the trade and business in Punjab and the region.

He said the PHD always supported the economic interest of industry in the region.

"The timing of the announcement to establish WTC Chandigarh could not have been more apt, when Punjab is gearing up to hold its first-ever Investment Promotion Summit on December 9-10. The two-day event will host around business heads and representatives of more than 2,000 companies from all across the country and even abroad," said Sharma.

WTCs across the world are known as symbols of growth and prosperity serving the local region. Every WTC connects its tenants, members and partners to the rest of the globe through this trade network.

Small and medium enterprises, start-ups and corporates can be immensely benefited by this reciprocity getting connected to international business prospects.